After a parked overloaded garbage truck proved too much for the 33-year old crossing, the Adriatico bridge collapsed and became impassable to motorists back in September 2017. Almost a year since its collapse, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) now announces its completion and reopening of a reinforced and much improved version of the Manila thoroughfare.

Led by DPWH Secretary Mark A. Villar, Adriatico bridge’s reopening last August 10th cost the department approximately Php 44 Million to repair and reconstruct to prevent further damage. Among the improvements made were towards the box culverts underneath as well as widening the bridge itself from four lanes to six in total. To prevent its cause of collapse in the first place, the bridge was augmented to carry 20 tons instead of the former 10. The improved bridge was also constructed to allow for higher elevation and wider waterways to increase drainage capability at Estero de San Antonio Abad and minimize flooding upstream of the bridge, particularly within the vicinity of St. Scholastica, St. Benilde and De La Salle University.

Secretary Villar assured that the replacement of Adriatico Bridge, along with the other national bridge projects inside and outside Metro Manila conform to the latest DPWH bridge seismic design specifications. “Retrofitting and replacement of old bridges in the national capital region are being fast tracked as we want our infrastructure prepared and structurally safe and sound in case of the occurrence of massive earthquake and other calamities,” stressed Secretary Villar.